About half of all American adults over the age of 29 have a form of gum disease that is essentially irreversible. Periodontitis, a serious gum disease, can be controlled, but the condition cannot be completely stopped. Regardless of the stage of infection, it can stop the progression of gum disease. The initial phase is the easiest to manage, since it only requires maintaining proper oral care and dental checkups.
The later stages will require specialized treatment, such as scraping and smoothing the roots. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can go a long way in keeping the infection away. Good dental care also requires minimizing the consumption of sugary foods. If you let gum disease turn into chronic periodontitis, delaying treatment causes bone and tissue loss to increase the severity of the condition.
If your condition has progressed to this stage, the tooth begins to move through your mouth, making tooth loss an eventuality. However, if you receive gum therapy on time, you can preserve affected teeth without the need for replacement solutions of any kind. The severity of gum disease may vary depending on the progress of the disease. The earliest stage, known as gingivitis, causes only mild inflammation and can be reversed with good oral hygiene and dental cleaning.
The most advanced stage is a chronic condition called periodontitis. This condition corrodes the bone structures and soft tissues that support the teeth. Over time, it can lead to tooth loss.
